Earlier this month, reports suggested that Apple is working to reduce its heavy reliance on TSMC. The company is now exploring new chip manufacturing partners, including Intel and Samsung, for future production needs.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also supported these claims in his latest post. He added more details about how Apple and Intel are quietly moving forward with early chip work. According to him, both companies have started limited production of Apple silicon chips using Intel’s 18A-P process.
This manufacturing process is said to be similar to the technology used for TSMC’s A18 Pro chip. The chips being developed are expected to be low-end variants. They will likely be used in iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Kuo estimates that around 80% of these chips are planned for iPhone devices.
Importantly, Intel will manufacture these chips inside the United States. At this stage, Apple and Intel are running small-scale testing throughout this year. This phase helps both companies evaluate performance and production stability.
Looking ahead, Kuo expects production to increase in 2027 and 2028. After that, output may reduce again in 2029 as strategies shift. Alongside this, Apple is also reviewing Intel’s more advanced chip technologies for future use.
Even with these developments, TSMC is expected to remain Apple’s main chip supplier. Reports suggest TSMC will still handle nearly 90% of Apple Silicon chip production.
